Building construction



June 14, 1966 R. G. sTuRM 3,255,557

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed March 26, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

United States Patent O 3,255,557 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Rolland G. Sturm,Chicago Heights, Ill., assignor to Union Tank Car Company, Chicago,Ill., a corporation of New .Iersey v Filed Mar. 26, 1963, Ser. No.267,995 1 Claim. (Cl. 52-81) This invention relates ingeneral tobuilding construction and more particularly to a self-supporting domeconstruction.

It is an lobject of the present invention to provide an improvedself-supporting dome construction.

It is another object to provide a self-supporting dome constructionincorporating a new and improved framework.

It is still another object to provide a framework of the aforedescribedcharacter which is simple in construction and relatively inexpensive toerect.

It is yet another object to provide a self-supporting dome frameworkwhich is comprised of a maximum number of standardized, identicalstructural components.

The foregoing and other objects are realized in accord- ICC PatentedJune 14, 1966 the framework 11, it is adapted to be erected in stages,each stage being a self-contained, self-supporting entity whencompleted. As a result, it is possible to eliminate much of therscaffolding frequently required in the erection of a conventionalself-supporting dome framework.

As seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the framework 11 comprises a plurality ofstruts 16 interconnected in triangular patterns with-each other in aseries of horizontal tiers 20-29. Each tier 20-29 is supported from thetier irnance with the present invention by providing an improvedself-supporting dome construction. Briefly, the invention contemplates adome incorporating a framework comprised of a maximum number ofstandardized, identical structural components. Accordingly, the dome issimpler to construct and less expensive than known dome constructions ofa generally similar nature. Collaterally, the framework is constructedin stages; each succeeding stage being a structural entity, capable ofstanding unsupported by scaffolding or the like when completed.

'The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,taken with further objects and advantages thereof, will best beunderstood by reference to the following description taken in connectionwith the accomj panying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic front elevational View of a self-supportingdome construction embodying features of the present invention; j

FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of one-half of the domeconstruction illustrated in FIGURE 1, with parts removed;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the frameworkincorporated in the dome construction embodying features of the presentinvention; and

FIGURE 4 is a further enlarged elevational view, partially in section,of a portion of the strut assembly comprising the framework illustratedin FIGURE 3.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG- URE l, a domeconstruction erected in accordance with the present invention isillustrated generally at 10. The dome construction 10 incorporates aframework 11, shown somewhat diagrammatically, supported on a foundation12. The framework 11 is covered with an appropriate skin 13 in Vapredetermined manner -to form an enclosure which is protected from theelements, for example, and is free of internal supporting girders andthe like.

The framework 11 embodies the primary features of the applicantsinvention. For example, a majority of the component parts of the entireframework 11 are identical and interchangeable. In other words, theframework 11 is constructed primarily of a single, standardizedcomponent. Consequently, as will readily be understood, the usualproblems of differentially marking various cornponents, storing themseparately so they can be easily identified, and fitting them togetherin jig-saw fashion, are eliminated. The savings in cost as well as laborare considerable. In addition to the foregoing advantages of referredto.

mediately below it, with the exception of the lowermost tier 20, ofcourse, which rests on the foundation 12. According to the presentinvention, a great majority of the struts 16 in each tier 20-29 areidentical in construction.

Furthermore, each of the tiers Ztl-29, from the lowermost tier 20upward, is a separate and unitary structural entity, able to standunsupported by scaffolding or the like when completed. Consequently, thedome construction 10 is readily built from the ground up, or in directcontra-st, from the top down, tier-by-tier, and stands unsupported byscaffolding or the like as each tier is-completed.

Referring specifically to FIGURE 1, the framework 11 of struts 16 issupported from the foundation 12 on a conventional tension ring 40'. Thetension ring 40 is mounted on the foundation 12 in a Well known manner.Between the foundation 12 and the tension ring 40, openings 43provideventilation or the like. To shield the openings 43 from theelements, an apron44 is preferably suspended from the tension ring 40 inany well known manner. The apron 44 might be sheet metal.

The framework 11 is comprised of a plurality of interconnected struts16, as has been pointed out. In accordance with the present invention,'agreat majority of the struts 16 are identical in size, configuration,and the like, as has also been elicited. In other words, a standardstructural component is the prime building block in the frameworkarrangement 11.

Of the struts 16, by far the largest majority are diagon struts 50, aswill readily be seen. According to the present invention, all of thediagonal struts 50 in the framework 11 are identical, standardcomponents as hereinabove It is in the arrangement of the struts 16(which include the diagonal struts 50) that primary features of thepresent invention reside. This'highly advantageous arrangement affords aconsiderable saving in the cost and time required to construct theframework 11.

The erection of the framework is hereinafter described as being from thebottom tier 20 up to the top tier 29. It should be understood, however,that the framework 11 might, -as a matter of choice, be advantageouslyerected from the top tier 29 downwardly to the bottom tier 20. In eithercase, all the advantagesvof the new and improved framework 11 :areretained.

The lowermost tier 20 of struts 16 includes a predetermined number ofdiagonal strut-s Silextending upwardly and inwardly from the tensionring 40. The diagonal struts 50 -are interconnected with each other andwith a top closure ring 51 of horizontal struts 52. The horizontalstruts 52 are of a length calculated so that the ring 51 has apredetermined diameter less than the diameter of the tension ring 40 toaccommodate the inward inclination of the lower tier 20 of struts 16 andestablish the initial curvature of the dome 10.

When the diagonal struts 50 of the lowermost tier 20 upwardly andinwardly from the ring 51 of horizontal struts v52. These struts 50 areinterconnected with each other and with a top closure ring 55 ofhorizontal struts 56. There are precisely ythe same number of diagonalstruts 50 in the tier 21 as there are in the lower tier 20. In likemanner, the number of horizontal struts S6 making up the top closurering 55 is identical to the number of horizontal struts in the topclosure ring 51 of the lower tier 20. However, the horizontal struts 56in the tier 21 are somewhat shorter than the horizontal struts 52,making the ring 55 smaller in diameter than the ring 51 to accommodatethe further inward inclination of the tier 21 of struts 16 and furtherdefine the curvature of the dome 10.

When the diagonal struts 50 in the tier 21 of struts 16 areappropriately interconnected and the top closure ring 55 is completed,the tier 21 is a structural entity, completely self-supporting. The-tier 21 of struts 16 is then ready to receive the next tier 22 ofstruts 16.

The next two tiers 22 and 23 of struts 16 are substantially identical inconstruction to the aforedescribed tiers 20 and 21, utilizing the samenumber of standard diagonal struts 50 in each case. As -would beexpected, however, the top closure ring 60 of horizontal struts 61interconnecting the diagonal struts 50 in the tier 22 is made smallerthan the top closure ring 55 of the tier 21 yby making the horizontalstruts 61 shorter. Correspondingly, the top closure ring 64 ofhorizontal -struts 65 interconnecting the diagonal struts in the tier 23is made smaller than theclosure ring 60 by further decreasing the lengthof `the struts 65. Each tier 22 and 23 is incl-ined slightly furtherinwardly than the immediately preceding tier, and the curvature of thedome construction is appropriately continued. As the top closure rings60 and 64 of horizontal struts 61 tand 65, respectively, are completed,the corresponding tiers 22 and 23 of struts 16 become structuralentities, similar to the aforedescribed tiers 2t) yand 21.Correspondingly, the partially completed framework 11 lstandsunsupported as each tier 22 and 23 is completed.

As the construction of the framework 11 progresses upwardly, of course,and the horizontal struts (52, 56, etc.) of succeeding tiers (20, 21,etc.) are shortened, the diagonal struts 5t) in each succeeding tierbecome more closely packed. A point is soon reached wherein the tiersbegin to contain unnecessary numbers of diagonal -struts 50, grantedthat the foregoing pattern of struts 16 is continued. Accordingly, whenthe tier 24 of struts 16 is reached, the arrangement of struts 16 isvaried in such a manner that the number of struts 16 is greatly reducedand the pattern of struts 16 is opened once more. This is accomplishedwhile maintaining the integrity of the framework 11 and assuring thatthe tier-24 of the struts is a selfsupporting structural entity when itis completed. The tier 24 of struts 16 :is appropriately referred to asa transition tier.

In essence, `to accomplish this end, the number of diagonal struts 50 isreduced -by one-half over the tiers 20-23 and a plurality ofnon-diagonal take-up struts 70 are interposed into the transition tier24 in the manner shown in FIGURES 1 `and 2. The top closure ring 71 ofhorizontal struts 72 is reduced in diameter, of course, but because thenumber of horizontal struts 72 is necessarily reduced by one-half also,to l,accommodate the reduced number of diagonal struts 50, the length ofeach horizontal strut 72 is actually increased over the length of thehorizontal lstruts 65 in the tier 23. The non-diagonal take-up struts 70extend substantially perpendicularly to the closure ring 71 and arereferred to herein las vertical struts.

When the transition tier 24 of struts 16 is completed in theaforedescribed pattern, by completing the top closure ring 71 ofhorizontal struts 72 and connecting corresponding diagonal struts 50 andperpendicular struts 70, the tier 24 is a structural entity, similar tothe tiers 20-23.

The transition tier 24 is thus ready to receive the next uppermost tier25 of struts 16 as the erection of the framework 11 continues.

The foregoing discussion points up the basic pattern of struts 16employed in erecting the framework 11 ernbodying features of the presentinvention. A prescribed pattern of substantially identical tiers (Z0-23,for example), containing Ipredominantly diagonal struts 50, isinterspersed appropriately with a predescribed number of transitiontiers (24, for example) throughout the extent of the framework 11.

At this point, before discussing the completion of the framework 11 andthe dome construction 10` according to the present invention, a moredetailed discussion of the construction and interconnection of thestruts 16 is in order.

Referring specifically to FIGURES 3 and 4, a portion 75 of the framework11 is shown in substantial detail. The portion 75 is taken from thatpart of the framework 11 including tiers 22-25, as will be noted inFIGURE l. Since the strut 16 to strut 16 connections throughout theextent of the framework 11 are substantially identical, a description ofthe struts 16 and the connections in this particular portion 75 of theframework 11 suices to a specific understanding of the framework 11construction throughout.

Each strut 16 throughout the extent of the framework 11 preferablycomprises a tubular member 76 preferably composed of a metal such asaluminum alloy or the like. The tubular members 76 are interconnected byslightly dished conical discs 80. rl`he generally conical configurationof each of the discs permits each succeeding tier (2029) of the struts16 to be inclined more sharply to the horizontal in a manner whichdefines the curvature 'of the dome construction 10. The diagonal struts50 in the lowermost tier 20 of struts 16 might, as a matter of choice,also be secured to conical discs (not shown) generally similar to thediscs 80 and secured to the tension ring 40 in any well known manner.

Each tubular strut member 76 carries asubstantially at end plate 81secured to each of its oppositely disposed ends S2 by welding or thelike. The top of each end plate 81 is substantially flush with the outersurface of a corresponding tubular strut member 76, as best seen inFIGURE 4. An attachment plate 83 for securing each end 82 of the tubularstrut member 76 to a corresponding conical disc 80 is preferably anextension of the member or a piece attached to each end plate 81 inoffset relationship with the outer surface of the strutl member 76. Oneform of connecting piece includes a gusset plate 84 welded between eachattachment plate 83 Vand a corresponding end plate 81. Conventionalmachine boltsSS extend through apertures (not shown) in the peripheriesof the substantially flat conical discs 80 and in the attachment platesS3 of the corresponding struts 16 to secure the struts 16 and the discs80 together. In assembled relationship, the upper surface of each disc80 is substantially ush with the outer surface of a cor- -respondingtubular strut member 76, as will be noted, to facilitate attaching theskin 13 flush with the framework 11.

The substantially flat conical discs 80 are perforated in differentpatterns (to receive the machine bolts 85) depending upon which of thetiers 20-29 the discs 80 are associated with. It will be obvious, forexample, that the discs 80 associated with the tier 24 require machinebolt receiving apertures (not shown) appropriately positioned for theattachment of the vertical struts 70, for example, an expedient whichunnecessary in the lower tiers 2023. To speed the erection of aframework 11, the discs 80 are frequently prepunched and then reamedafter assembly.

Turning once more to a. general description of the construction of theframework 11, the transition tier 24 having been completed, the nextuppermost tier 25 of 72 associated with the transition tier 24 and areidentical in number. Accordingly, the top closure ring 90 has a smallerdiameter than the top closure ring 71 associated with the transitionring 24. The tier 25 is thus inclined inwardly slightly more than thetier 24, to further continue the curvature of the dome construction 10.

The tiers 26 and 27 are each substantially identical in construction tothe tier 25, utilizing the same number of standard diagonal struts 50 intheir construction. The top closure ring 100 of horizontal struts 101 inthe tier 26 has a smaller diameter than the top closure ring 90 in thetier 25 because the length of the horizontal struts 100 is decreased, ofcourse, and the number of horizontal struts in each tier 25 and 26remains the same. Correspondingly, the top closure ring 105 ofhorizontal struts 106 in the tier 27 has a smaller diameter than the topclosure ring 100 because the struts 106 are further shortened. Thecurvature of the framework 11 is thus continued toward the top of thedome 10. Each of the tiers 25-27 is a unitary structural entity when itis com` pleted, in the manner hereinbefore discussed in substantialdetail.

As the construction of the framework 11 progresses upwardly, in thiscase, and the various horizontal struts (71, 101, etc.) associated withthe tiers 25-27 are shortened, once more the standard diagonal struts 50in each succeeding tier 25-27 become more closely packed. Accordingly,another transition tier 28 substantially identical in concept to thetransition tier 24 is interposed into the framework 11.

The transition tier 28 utilizes one-half the number of diagonal struts50 as are found in each of the tiers 25-27 and vertical struts 110 areinterposed into the tier 28 in the manner shown in FIGURE 2, andhereinbefore discussed in ldetail in relation to the transition tier 24(struts 70). The top closure ring 111 of horizontal struts 112 in thetransition tier 28 is reduced in diameter, of

course. halved also, however, t-o accommodate the reduced number ofdiagonal struts 50, the length of each horizontal strut 112 is actuallygreater than that of the horizontal struts 106 associated with the tier27. When the top closure ring of horizontal struts 112 in the tier 28 iscompleted, the tier 28 is a self-supporting structural entity, in themanner of the tiers 20-27 hereinbefore discussed.

The tier 29, as best seen in FIGURE 2, is another transition tier,generally similar in construction to the tiers 24 and 28 hereinbeforediscussed. It is preferable to use another transition tier here becauseof the extreme curvature of the dome at this point.

Since the number of horizontal struts 102 is ring of horizontal struts121 connects the diagonal l struts 50 and the vertical struts 115 in thetransition tier 29, the number of horizontal struts 121 in the ring 20being reduced by one-half also. When the top closure ring 120 ofhorizontal struts 121 is completed, of course, the tier 29 is aself-supporting unitary structural entity. At this point, a small area124 at the apex of the framework 11 remains unenclosed.

This area 124 of the framework 11 might be closed in various manners,depending, for example, on the necessity of providing access through theroof, or upon other expediencies. In the framework 11 arrangement 6illustrated, however, six of the standard diagonal struts 50 areprecisely suited to finish the framework 11. These struts` 50 arepreferably connected at the apex 125 of the framework 11 in a vmannerhereinbefore described, by a substantially flat conical disc 80 (notshown), for example.

When the framework 11 has been erected in the foregoing manner or, incontrast, from the top down, for example, it is the usual practice tocover it with the skin 13 previously referred to. Referring to FIGURES 3and 4, the skin 13 is preferably comprised of a plurality ofappropriately shaped panels of sheet aluminum alloy or the like. Each ofthe panels 130 is preferably cut on-the-job to overlie a specific set ofthree.

struts 16, whereupon the panel 130 is tack welded to the appropriatestruts 16 and their interconnecting discs 80, as at 131.

A dome construction 10 hasv been described which is simple andrelatively inexpensive to erect. A maximum number of substantiallyidentical component struts 50 are utilized in its framework 11.Consequently, the initial cost of the components of the dome 10 issubstan tiallyr less than its broadly similar counterparts. Furthermore,the framework 11 lends itself to being erected speedily in comparison toknown dome constructions.

Each tier 20-29 of the dome framework 11 is a unitary, structuralentity, whether the framework 11 is erected from the base upwardly orfrom the top downwardly. Accordingly, the necessity of using extensivescaffolding in the erection of the dome framework 11 is obviated, andsavings in cost and time are considerable.

While an embodiment described herein is at present considered to bepreferred, it is understood that various modifications and improvementsmay be made therein, and it is intended to cover in theappended claimall such modifications and improvements as fall within the true spiritand scope of t-he invention.

What is desired to be claimed and secured by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:

A self-supporting dome framework, comprising: a plurality ofhorizontally disposed circular tiers supported one on top of the otherfrom base means with each tier of successively smaller radius than theone below,

A said plurality of tiers including a first series of tiers, each tierof said first series of tiers comprising struts inclusive only ofdiagonal struts interconnected end to end only at upper joint means andat lower joint means, and a ring of horizontal struts interconnected endto end at said upper joint means, each of the lower joint means of eachhigher tier of each of said first series defining a common jointconnection with successive ones of said upper joint means of theadjoining lower tier and providing said support for the respectivehigher tier, each of said last mentioned common joint connections havingonly the diagonal struts and the horizontal struts extending therefrom,said plurality of tiers further including a transition tier mounted onvthe uppermost tier of said first series of tiers, said transition tiercomprising strutsl inclusive of diagonal struts interconnected end toend only at upper joint means and at lower joint means, each of t-healternate ones of the upper joint means of the upper tier of said iirstseries of tiers having' common joint connections with successive ones ofthe lower joint means of said transition tier, each of said lastmentioned common joint connections having only diagonal struts andhorizontal struts extending therefrom, said transition tier struts beingfurther inclusive of a ring of horizontal strut-s interconnected end toend at said transition tier upper joint means, and a strut connected ateach of said transition tier upper joint means and extendingperpendicularly downward from said transition tier ring of horizontalstruts and having a common joint connection with the remaining otheralternate upper joint means in said uppermost tier of said first seriesof tiers,

each of the last mentioned rcommon joint connections in- Cluding aperpendicularly extending strut having extending therefrom only inaddition horizontal and diagonal struts of the uppermost tier of the rstseries, and a second series of tiers mounted on said transition tier,each tier of said -second series of tiers comprising struts inclusiveonly of diagonal struts interconnected end to end only at upper jointmeans and at lower joint means, and a ring of horizontal Strutsinterconnected end to end at said upper joint means of said tiers insaid Second Series of tiers, each of the lower joint means of thelowermost tier in said 4second series of tiers dening a common jointconnection with successive ones of said upper joint means of saidtransition tier, each of Said last mentioned common joint connectionsbetween the transition tier and the lowermost tier of said second serieshaving extending therefrom only the'diagonal struts, the horizontalstruts, and one of said perpendicularly extending struts, substantiallyall of the diagonal struts in said tiers being substantially identical.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,908,236 10/1959Kiewin 52-81' 2,978,074 4/1961 Schmidt 52,-81 3,061,977 11/1962 Schmidt52-81 3,094,708 6/1963 Caldwell.

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,818 2/1917 Netherlands.

OTHER REFERENCES Engineering News-Record, pages 46 and 47, Mar. 22,1956.

EARL J. WITMER, Primary Examiner.

